Bible Reading Plans that Fit Your Busy Life

Laying Down My Agenda For God’s Gives New Purpose

August 13, 2012

It’s that time of year again. Time to buy spiral notebooks, pencils, and purchase those new shoes for school.

I grieved the start of school because I totally missed teaching. I had traded my lesson-planner and professional outfits for a crying baby and a t-shirt with spit-up on it. I knew I was beyond blessed as I held my new baby girl, but I really missed the warm fuzzies from my students even though just a few months before my baby was born I couldn’t wait to quit working!

Was I schizophrenic? Maybe. Or perhaps, I was just human.

The grass always appears greener on the other side until you get there.

But I learned a very important lesson. The grass is as green as you make it. There are blessings to be found in every situation–even the difficult ones.

I never went back to teaching. Instead, I learned to lean heavily on God, and I began to see His wisdom when doors shut and provision when I desperately needed a friend. I started enjoying my new full-time mommy job. (Though there were days I was a really bad at it.)

Now my kids are 21,19,and 15. They walked into church together yesterday, all tall and big and beautiful to my mother eyes. And my cup runneth over. All those years of sacrifice and hard work were so worth every difficult moment. I know I’m not finished being their momma, but the days that were hard for me are gone. I’m definitely in a new season. Funny, but I no longer want to teach school. I’m fine working from home!

From those difficult years I learned that God always has good things planned, but I won’t find them until I stop seeking what I want and start asking what He has for me in that place. When I lay down my agenda and trust God with His, I find purpose and contentment.

Whatever season you are in, whatever place you find yourself where the grass looks greener either in the past or the future, I want to encourage you to wait. God has you in this place in this season for so many reasons. Some are for your growth, but some of those reasons are for others so that you can make a difference in their lives. No doubt about it. And that my friends brings greater joy and blessings than any other temporal pleasure. Even new shoes!

Kind words. I humbly say, thank you.

I truly enjoy your posts and your perspectives. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing talent with us. We can tweet it, email it, pin it, facebook it and continue the sharing!

- Rhonda

"You have always conveyed God’s word in a way that touches my heart and has been known to even penetrate my head! I love you Andy…keep up the good work! "

- Mary Beth Doane, Beverly, MA

"My dear friend, as always, your insightfullness astounds me. Thank you for all you give us to contemplate, it is appreciated. Yours in Christ, J"

- J. Miller, Wilmington, NC

"My sister and I attended the conference at MAG in Ohio. It was a blessing to us both, and Tina is totally enjoying the gift Bible that she won. May God bless you."

- Mable Mason, Ohio

Andy – your writing is so beautiful! What a stunning gift you have and thank you so much for sharing it with us. You truly inspire me and seem to write what I need in the moment.

- Esther

Thank you so much for your inspiration, stories, and your amazing gift to teach/preach. We have enjoyed meeting you! ~ Julie and Jenna (Mom and daughter attending women's retreat in Portland, Maine.)

I have been following you since the night you came and spoke at Brandon Christian Writers. We talked about growing up as a military brats, the similar places we had lived, etc. I don’t comment often, but I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your writing and being with you on our faith journeys.

So often, I feel like you write just what God wants me to hear or study and pray about. I want to confirm for you that your writing does make a difference. Thanks!

- Marsha Stephenson

"I have the privilege of calling Andy a close and dear friend. We met several years ago and discovered we were both writers. From that point on our hearts have been united in God. Andy is not just a skilled writer but a woman after God’s heart and that’s what makes both her writing and speaking effective and powerful!"

- Sandra Chambers, Wilmington, NC

"Andy Lee's words will affect you ... but her heart will stay with you for a long, long time."